Growing pains?

**opie** · 05-18-2010, 21:41

Well.... up to now all my bookkeeping has been the pencil/paper variety. Not all that time consuming since I had a good pattern established.

But I just recently bought Quickbooks Simple Start 2010. I was under the impression I would be able to export everything from PayPal since PayPal will generate reports in QB format.... Only to learn that the version of QB I bought wont import anything but excel files. And Im not buying MS Office. So I see QB pro is on sale locally, so I may give that a try.

Last week was crazy as I think it was my busiest week, ever. Trying to get the QB figured out, where right now I have to enter everything manually. Getting orders out along with a couple rush orders and custom orders.

I want to mention a shipping change @ whoopieslings.com. I am changing from first class shipping to Priority. All orders up to $150 will be $4.85. From $150 to $300 will be $10.70 and $300 to $500 will be $15. I think this will be a good move on a couple fronts.

1) I can use USPS flat rate boxes, rather than the poly envelopes I have been using. A little more security and less likely it will get lost due to its increased physical size.

2) I need to start seperating the shipping charges from order totals for my record keeping. Having a set, seperate charge for shipping means less time spent doing paperwork and more time staying on orders. As it stands now I have about 400 orders to manually enter into QB.

3) Speed... First class isnt all that slow, but priority is certainly faster.

I appreciate everyones patience thats ordered from me in the last couple of weeks. My wait time has exceded my comfort zone.... But Im getting them out as fast as possible.

**BrianWillan** · 05-18-2010, 21:48

Opie

Give http://www.openoffice.org/ a try. It is a free open source MS Office compatible office suite for Windows and many other operating systems.

Cheers

Brian

**BurningCedar** · 05-18-2010, 22:11

Opie; I think your order turn-around time is still fantastic. At least I never felt like I was waiting on you. Besides the creativity and quality of what you produce is worth the short wait.

In spite of that, I think the changes you're proposing are fair and will certainly make things easier for you (and also easier to focus on doing stuff rather than reporting on stuff).

Brian's suggestion of Open Office is a good one. Open Office supports MS's file formats, including Excel.

Having had my own business for several years, I can tell you that one is almost always stressed. But its a whole lot better to be stressed about how you're going to get everything done instead of stressed about just getting enough income to stay open!!!! (of course sometimes it seems you're stressed about both at the same time

)

**opie** · 05-19-2010, 03:35

Originally Posted by BrianWillan

Opie

Give http://www.openoffice.org/ a try. It is a free open source MS Office compatible office suite for Windows and many other operating systems.

Cheers

Brian

Thanks for the suggestion.

So would I be able to create an Excel file using open office?

**opie** · 05-19-2010, 03:36

Originally Posted by BurningCedar

Opie; I think your order turn-around time is still fantastic. At least I never felt like I was waiting on you. Besides the creativity and quality of what you produce is worth the short wait.

In spite of that, I think the changes you're proposing are fair and will certainly make things easier for you (and also easier to focus on doing stuff rather than reporting on stuff).

Brian's suggestion of Open Office is a good one. Open Office supports MS's file formats, including Excel.

Having had my own business for several years, I can tell you that one is almost always stressed. But its a whole lot better to be stressed about how you're going to get everything done instead of stressed about just getting enough income to stay open!!!! (of course sometimes it seems you're stressed about both at the same time

)

And Im all about doing stuff.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

**Running Feather** · 05-19-2010, 03:53

I'm happy for you. Many would like to have your problem

**opie** · 05-19-2010, 04:02

Originally Posted by Running Feather

I'm happy for you. Many would like to have your problem

I know RF. I realize that Im lucky to have this problem.

Didnt want to come off as complaining, which I dont think you were alluding to. Just an explanation of why its taking so long to get orders out. I know most dont mind the wait... but I cant stand it!!!

I also like to get involved in the discussions here, but at times thats difficult because it distracts me from working.

Life is good.... The family is healthy, the roof isnt leaking so everything else will work itself out.

**bwtruitt** · 05-19-2010, 06:55

Originally Posted by opie

Thanks for the suggestion.

So would I be able to create an Excel file using open office?

Yes. You can open existing excel files, create new ones, whatever. And moreover, it supports the whole suite of tools, powerpoint, word, etc.

At any rate, they are continually getting better, but beware of trying to open excel/word files that have really fancy formatting. It may not open exactly right in open office. You can CREATE really fancy formatting in open office, but it may not look the same when opened in microsoft office. I don't get the impression you care about that though.

For free software, it's absolutely worth trying out. It's what I use at home and at work.

**Cranky Bear** · 05-19-2010, 07:05

Opie no matter what you have changed, I will still buy from you as your stuff is top notch, if it takes a day longer to get it, really?! your stuff ships sooooo fast either way is great! I am just glad that you are making the stuff you are, and that I am able to purchase it!!!!!!
Thanks for everything you do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!